What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alarmed
Example
I was alarmed to hear about the recent increase in crime in our neighborhood. [alarmed: adjective]
Example
The security guard was alarmed by the suspicious behavior of the man in the parking lot. [alarmed: verb]
scared
Example
I was scared when I heard someone breaking into my house. [scared: adjective]
Example
She gets scared every time she has to speak in public. [scared: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scared is more commonly used than alarmed in everyday language. Scared is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while alarmed is less common and often used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alarmed and scared?
While alarmed is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, scared is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
